How to Use Floating Shelves to Decorate Your Living Room
So you’ve invested in butcher block floating shelves, but now it’s time to figure out how to decorate your living space including your living room, kitchen, and dining room! With minimalist decorating in-style recently, butcher block floating shelves are definitely one of the most popular ways to display décor.
Butcher block floating shelves are a stylish and practical way to enhance your living room’s decor while also offering functional storage or displaying space. Whether you have a small apartment or a large home, floating shelves can provide a sleek, modern look without taking up valuable floor space.
Here are a few suggestions to making the most of floating shelves in your living room:
Decorating Floating Shelves in Living Rooms: Table of Contents
- Create a Focal Point
- Showcase Personal Collections
- Use Floating Shelves for Functional Storage
- Add Greenery for a Fresh Look
- Mix and Match Decor Styles
- Play with Shelf Placement
- Incorporate Lighting for Ambiance
- Keep It Minimal
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1. Create a Focal Point
First, one of the best ways to use floating shelves in your living room is to create a focal point. Place shelves above your TV, fireplace, or on a feature wall. By styling these shelves with eye-catching decor items like framed photos, artwork, or decorative vases, you draw attention to a central area of the room.
We suggest keeping the arrangement balanced by mixing different sizes and heights of objects to create visual interest.
2. Showcase Personal Collections
If you have a collection of items, theme, or hobby that reflect your personality, a butcher block floating shelf is a great way to showcase them. Whether it's a collection of books, vintage items, travel souvenirs, or pottery, these shelves allow you to display your favorite pieces without cluttering the room. Be mindful of spacing—leave some negative space between items to avoid overcrowding.
We detail more about showcasing personal collections in our article on 15 creative ways to use your butcher block floating shelves.
3. Use Floating Shelves for Functional Storage
Butcher block floating shelves are not only decorative but can also be highly functional. In the living room, you can use them to store books, DVDs, or even remote controls and game consoles. Use storage boxes or baskets on the shelves to keep smaller items organized and out of sight. By integrating stylish storage solutions, you maintain a clean and tidy living space.
4. Add Greenery for a Fresh Look
Incorporating plants into your floating shelves is a simple way to bring life into your living room. Small potted plants like succulents, ferns, or trailing vines can add a pop of color and a natural element to your shelves.
If you prefer a low-maintenance option, faux plants can still provide the same aesthetic benefits without the upkeep.
5. Mix and Match Decor Styles
If you're not sure what to do, you can try mixing and matching various styles. For example, combine modern geometric sculptures with rustic wooden accents or vintage-style picture frames. This mixture of styles can add depth and character to your living room decor while keeping the space visually interesting.
Related: Floating Wall Shelves: The Ultimate Buying Guide
6. Play with Shelf Placement
Floating shelves offer flexibility in placement, so don’t be afraid to get creative with their arrangement. Instead of placing them in a straight line, try staggering the shelves at different heights or creating a unique asymmetrical pattern. This adds an element of surprise and movement to your living room design, making it more dynamic.
That's why many of our customers order multiple floating shelves - 2, 3, 4, 5+ shelves to add a unique, staggered look!
7. Incorporate Lighting for Ambiance
Adding lighting to your floating shelves in your living room can elevate their visual appeal while enhancing the overall ambiance of the living room. Consider installing LED strip lights underneath the shelves to create a warm white, blue, yellow, orange, green, purple, or red glow.
You could also place small decorative lamps or candles on the shelves to brighten up the space and add a cozy feel.
8. Keep It Minimal
Less is more when it comes to floating shelves. Avoid overcrowding them with too many items, as this can create a cluttered look. Instead, opt for a minimalist approach by choosing a few carefully selected pieces that complement the living room’s color scheme and style. This will make your living room feel open and airy while still showcasing your personal touch.
Related: Butcher Block Floating Shelves Instruction Guide
Living Room Floating Shelf FAQs
Where should floating shelves be placed in the living room?
Floating shelves can be placed in various spots in the living room to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. A common placement is above the TV or a fireplace to create a focal point and display decorative items. You can also place them on an empty wall to break up large, bare spaces, or above furniture such as a sofa or side table. For a more balanced look, consider placing floating shelves symmetrically on either side of a central feature like a window or piece of artwork.
Are floating shelves a good idea for a living room?
Yes, floating shelves are an excellent idea for a living room! They offer a stylish, modern way to display personal items while saving valuable floor space. Unlike traditional shelving units, floating shelves have a sleek, minimalistic design that can make a room feel more open and airy. They also provide the perfect balance of function and decor, as they can hold everything from books and plants to art and decorative pieces. Whether your living room is large or small, floating shelves can be customized to fit the space and style, making them a practical and attractive choice.
What is the rule for floating shelves?
The general rule for floating shelves is to keep them balanced and proportionate to the space they occupy. When installing them, ensure they are evenly spaced from nearby furniture and walls, usually at least 10-12 inches above a sofa or table. It’s also important to consider the height at which they’re placed—eye level is typically ideal for easy viewing. In terms of styling, avoid overcrowding the shelves; leave some negative space between objects to maintain a clean, organized look. The items should vary in height and size to create visual interest, without overwhelming the room.
How to fill shelves in a living room?
To fill shelves in a living room, start by selecting a mix of items that reflect your personal style and add visual interest. Books, framed photos, plants, and decorative pieces such as vases or sculptures are great choices. It's essential to avoid overcrowding the shelves; leave some empty spaces to maintain a balanced look. Group similar items together, such as placing books in a vertical and horizontal mix or arranging smaller decor in odd numbers for a more appealing display. Incorporating varying textures, shapes, and heights will keep the shelves looking dynamic without overwhelming the room’s decor.
How to Use Floating Shelves in Your Living Room: Conclusion
Butcher block floating shelves by Forever Joint Tops are a versatile and stylish way to decorate your living room. By strategically placing shelves and thoughtfully curating the items displayed on them, you can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space while also keeping it functional.
Whether you’re looking to add a focal point, showcase your personal collection, or bring in natural elements, floating shelves offer endless possibilities for transforming your living room!
Related: How to Decorate Floating Shelves: Top 8 Stylish Ideas
Contact Forever Joint Tops!
Ready to customize your own butcher block floating shelves for your living room? Let Forever Joint Tops help! We hand craft our butcher block floating shelves with pine and hardwood materials. Each flaoting shelf is designed with woods made from the USA.
Please reach out to us at (608) 566-6903 or contact us online for personalized assistance and to start your journey with a company that truly cares about bringing your butcher block shelf dreams to life!
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